Introduction

Based on the the Nissan X-Trail, the Renault Koleos is a big, family-friendly SUV with lots of interior space and plenty of standard equipment. But a limited and pricey variety of trim levels and engines, along with sometimes poor ride quality on 19 inch wheels, restrict its appeal.

The Koleos is sold with five seats only but on the upside the back seat is 1,300mm wide and there is masses of rear legroom for older kids or teens - although the standard panoramic glass roof impedes head room a little for giants. The boot is big, wide and flat with plenty of space for bulky stuff like pushchairs or weekly shopping trips.

Up front is where the Koleos impresses most, with plush and sturdy materials and plenty of technology. R-Link real-time navigation, a digital instrument display, dual-zone climate control, lane departure warning, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are all standard – but you’d hope for as much since there are only two trim levels. Top models gain luxuries including leather seats and a power tailgate.

The engine range is diesel only, with a 130PS 1.6-litre dCi and a 175PS 2.0-litre dCi. The Koleos is front-wheel drive as standard but, if you need extra traction, the 2.0 dCi is available with all wheel drive and either a 6-speed manual or an X-Tronic CVT automatic transmission. Neither diesel engine requires the addition of AdBlue.

Performance is ample if not spectacular – but engine noise is minimal. As in the Kadjar, acceleration off the line of the 1.6DCI 130 is a bit slow. But the 175PS 2.0 is actually the equal of an Ingenium 180 diesel in a Discovery Sport or an F-Pace. On the road the Koleos is easy to drive with light controls and good body control in bends. 18-inch 'Agapi' alloy wheels with 60 profile tyres improve ride quality enormously over the 19-inch wheels. These are standard on base versions and optional on the Signature. But, though precise, the slow steering prevents it from being agile in city driving.

The diesel only engine range and high start price, restricts the appeal of the Koleos. A Skoda Kodiaq has more seats and is more comfortable, while a Nissan X-Trail is cheaper. However, if you can get a good deal on a Koleos it will cope well with family life and comes with plenty of standard equipment.

Borrowing £7,500 over 4 years with a representative APR of 25.4%, an annual interest rate of 25.4% (Fixed) and a deposit of £0.00, the amount payable would be £239.77 per month, with a total cost of credit of £4,008.96 and a total amount payable of £11,508.96.